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Author: Veronica Charalambous

UxGE Project Participates in the Pancyprian Red Cross Cyprus Youth Conference

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 16, 2024, CARDET actively participated in the Pancyprian Conference of the Red Cross Cyprus Youth Department at Xenion School in Paralimni, offering an engaging session aimed at empowering young people.

The event provided a dynamic platform for CARDET to introduce the UxGE Project to youth members and volunteer leaders of the Red Cross Cyprus. The presentation highlighted the project’s goals, which focus on sustainability and the pivotal role youth can play in shaping a more sustainable future. CARDET extended an open invitation to participants, encouraging them to join the project’s upcoming activities and contribute to meaningful change.

Following the presentation, attendees participated in an interactive workshop on sustainability. The workshop emphasized the vital role of youth in advancing sustainable development goals, fostering meaningful discussions, and inspiring participants to generate actionable ideas.

This event marked the 4th stakeholder meeting, part of a series designed to showcase the UxGE Project’s core objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and anticipated outcomes. A key highlight was the introduction of the Online Training Course (OTC), the project’s first major deliverable, which equips participants with essential knowledge and skills for sustainable development.

The successful engagement demonstrated the growing impact of the UxGE Project and the passion of Cyprus’s youth to take the lead in building a sustainable future. This partnership highlights the mutual dedication of CARDET and the Red Cross Cyprus Youth Department to promoting education, empowerment, and environmental stewardship among young leaders in Cyprus..

Learn more about the UxGE Project here

EGIDEV Project Advances at Third Transnational Project Meeting in Rome

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The third Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) for the EGIDEV Project, held in Rome on November 4-5, marked a significant milestone in the development of an educational board game aimed at teaching digital entrepreneurship to Vocational Education and Training (VET) students.

During the meeting, key project members gathered to review the current version of the board game and conduct demo play sessions to test it. On the first day, project partners engaged in an initial test session, followed by a second day of testing with external participants from Italy. The objective was to gather feedback, identify areas for improvement, and make final adjustments before advancing to the next phases. The next in-person meeting for project partners is scheduled for spring 2025 in Portugal.

This innovative game uses gamification to teach students about entrepreneurship, aligning with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the EntreComp model to facilitate hands-on learning of essential business competencies. The demo play session yielded valuable insights that will guide final refinements, bringing the project closer to its goal of empowering VET students and educators to engage meaningfully with digital entrepreneurship.

The EGIDEV team is eager to integrate the feedback received, striving to make a lasting impact on digital entrepreneurship education across the EU.

More information about the EGIDEV Project can be found here

CARDET Hosts Partners’ Meeting for JUST4ALL Project in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 13th and 14th, CARDET proudly hosted the Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) for the JUST4ALL project in Cyprus. This important event brought together European partners dedicated to developing innovative and inclusive Adult Learning and Education (ALE) models. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for partners to collaborate and advance the project’s mission of fostering an inclusive recovery while supporting Europe’s digital and green transitions.

The JUST4ALL initiative places a special focus on empowering migrants, women, and low-skilled adults, ensuring they are active participants in the societal changes brought about by digitalization and environmental transformation. By targeting these groups, the project aims to create equitable educational pathways and support an inclusive transition.

During the two-day meeting, participants discussed critical aspects of the project’s progress. Key agenda items included reviewing a comprehensive report on best practices, analyzing national background papers on just transitions prepared by each partner country, and strategically planning the development of the project’s MOOC platform. This platform is set to become a vital tool for reaching broader audiences and providing accessible, innovative learning resources to adult learners across Europe.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to creating sustainable and just educational models that address the needs of diverse adult learners.

For more information about the JUST4ALL project and its partners, visit: JUST4ALL project page.

GROWS Project: A New Toolkit for VET Providers on Sustainable Waste Management and Green Transition

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

We are excited to unveil a new toolkit developed through the collaborative efforts of Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Portugal, and Poland. This toolkit is designed to support Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers in addressing the critical challenges of sustainable waste management and advancing the green transition.

The toolkit offers a comprehensive guide to the European Green Deal’s (EGD) waste management guidelines, providing practical strategies for embedding these principles into VET curricula. It also highlights essential green practices for VET providers and outlines the key competencies required for VET trainers to effectively teach these concepts.

Funded by the EU under the GROWS Project, this initiative aims to empower VET institutions with the expertise needed to meet the EGD’s waste management objectives. Partner countries have contributed valuable insights from national and European perspectives on sustainable waste management strategies.

Access the toolkit online here, and learn more about the GROWS Project here.

Grey4Green Project Concludes with Final Conference in Portugal, Celebrating Contributions to Environmental Conservation

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Grey4Green Project, an EU-funded initiative focused on promoting active aging and environmental stewardship among senior citizens, concluded its impactful journey this week with a successful Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) in Ílhavo, Portugal. The two-day event, held on November 5-6, marked a significant milestone, bringing together collaborators and community stakeholders to celebrate Grey4Green’s achievements.

The first day featured a Final Conference at the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo, hosted by Bioliving and the Municipality of Lousada, bringing together experts and participants under the theme “The Role of Local and Geriatric Communities in Environmental Conservation: Challenges and Solutions”. Attendees engaged in hands-on workshops on sustainable gardening and zero food waste, tailored to the interests and abilities of older adults. They also participated in thought-provoking discussions on how communities can involve senior residents in meaningful dialogues, particularly in the areas of nature conservation and sustainability. A zero-waste cooking workshop demonstrated creative ways to use all ingredients, resulting in delicious muffins, and there was also a tree-planting activity. These sessions provided seniors with practical, accessible tools to contribute meaningfully to local sustainability efforts, enhancing both their well-being and environmental awareness.

On the second day, project stakeholders convened to review Grey4Green’s various Work Packages, key components of the project’s framework. CARDET led a thorough assessment of the website and platform developments, visual content on the YouTube channel, and the impact of each initiative. This session enabled partners to consolidate project successes and outline future steps for integrating senior-friendly environmental practices across the EU.

The event highlighted Grey4Green’s mission to foster social inclusion for the elderly through active participation in environmental projects. By promoting intergenerational dialogue, practical conservation skills, and awareness of older adults’ contributions, Grey4Green has set a valuable example for future programs focused on active aging and climate action.

Grey4Green empowers senior citizens by involving them in conservation activities that promote social inclusion and active aging. Through training programs, workshops, and outreach campaigns, the project has advocated for seniors as key contributors to environmental preservation.

For more information on Grey4Green’s journey and resources, visit grey4green.eu.

CARDET Donates Refurbished Laptops to Students in Need Through INCLUDE-CE Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 6, 2024, in a heartwarming ceremony at CASA College, Nicosia, CARDET donated refurbished laptops to 10 outstanding students from CASA College and Kasa High School. The event celebrated these students’ dedication to academic excellence and community engagement, with each recipient receiving a laptop to support their studies and future aspirations.

This donation is part of the INCLUDE-CE Project, a European Commission-funded initiative focused on promoting social inclusion and employability for migrant and refugee communities through digital literacy and skills training. By providing access to essential technology, INCLUDE-CE equips young people with the tools needed to succeed in a digital economy. The project also emphasizes sustainability, demonstrating the value of a circular economy by repurposing laptops to reduce waste and support greener practices.

At the ceremony, Mrs. Elina Saveriades, Director of Saveriades Educational Organization, thanked CARDET for its meaningful contribution, underscoring the positive impact these laptops will have on students’ academic journeys. Mrs. Maria Yiannoulou, Principal of Kasa High School, highlighted the donation’s significant role in helping students reach their educational goals.

Representing CARDET, Dr. Marinos Papaioakeim, Head of Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship, spoke on the organization’s commitment to fostering social inclusion. He outlined INCLUDE-CE’s mission to address the unique challenges faced by migrants and refugees, supporting their integration into society and the workforce through essential digital skills.

As a leading center for innovation in education, CARDET remains dedicated to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing resources and skills to help build brighter futures. This laptop donation reflects CARDET’s commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable opportunities for all.

Learn more about the INCLUDE-CE Project here.

Pilot Tests of Coding4Kids Learning Modules Held at Dasoupoli All-Day School, Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

From November 4 to 6, Dasoupoli All-Day School in Nicosia, Cyprus, hosted pilot tests for the new learning modules of the Coding4Kids Project. More than sixty students participated in hands-on sessions designed to integrate coding into primary and secondary education through an accessible and engaging curriculum. These pilot tests aimed to evaluate the modules’ effectiveness and collect real-time feedback, marking a crucial step in developing an adaptable coding program for diverse educational contexts across Europe.

During the piloting sessions, students explored three modules: Computer Language, Essential Elements of Programming, and Automation and Integration. Utilizing Scratch, an online programming platform, they engaged with core coding concepts following an introductory module titled “Methods and Processes”, which establishes foundational programming principles. Throughout the sessions, teachers observed student interactions and gathered feedback to refine the curriculum, focusing on the modules’ clarity, engagement, and impact.

The Coding4Kids project aims to equip primary and secondary school educators, regardless of their technical background, with resources to introduce coding concepts. The program includes 12 learning modules with 36 structured lesson plans, alongside a teacher training package designed to enhance educators’ coding competencies. This approach seeks to develop students’ logical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, essential skills for today’s digital workforce. By addressing the digital skills gap in ICT education, the project aligns with European goals for enhancing digital literacy and preparing future generations for a tech-driven world.

More information about the Coding4Kids project can be found here.

Empowering Education for a Sustainable Future: Highlights from the SMILE Project’s Final Conference and Activities

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Sustainable Mobility in School Education (SMILE) Project recently concluded its pilot activities and final conference at the University of Groningen on October 29-30, 2024. This notable Erasmus+ initiative is dedicated to integrating climate change, sustainable mobility, and STEAM education within European schools.

The final conference, titled “From Awareness to Action: The Role of Education in Building Sustainable Futures,” gathered over 40 participants from across Europe. Together, they explored innovative educational strategies aimed at inspiring students to become agents of change for a sustainable future. The event began with social activities on October 29, fostering networking and collaboration among attendees.

A highlight of the conference was an engaging workshop led by CARDET and INNOVADE, titled “Driving Change: Pathways to Fostering a Culture of Sustainable Mobility.” This session employed educational simulations to teach early secondary school students about sustainable transportation options and their critical role in reducing carbon emissions. Additional presentations included “Sustainability Today & Tomorrow” by RC and I&F, which focused on ongoing and future sustainability initiatives. KMOP and RUG hosted “Green Heroes: Ways to Act for Sustainability,” empowering individuals to take actionable steps toward environmental responsibility. Swati Vartak also led a session on “Fostering Emotional and Intercultural Skills for Sustainable Action,” emphasizing the importance of these skills in promoting sustainable initiatives.

In early October, the SMILE Project launched a series of pilot activities in Cyprus, including workshops at “Apeiteio” Agros High School and Engomi A’ Primary School. These activities engaged 40 students and 30 STEAM educators in testing and deploying SMILE’s latest educational resources, which featured innovative video animations and digital escape rooms centered on crucial themes like climate change and sustainable mobility.

The active participation of primary and secondary school students enhanced their creative and critical thinking skills while encouraging collaboration among peers. The educational resources facilitated lively discussions and reflections on both local and global issues, empowering students to develop informed perspectives on these pressing matters. Educators provided invaluable feedback during the activities, contributing to the refinement of content and delivery methods, ensuring the resources were both engaging and effective.

Throughout its duration, the SMILE project has prioritized enhancing teachers’ abilities to implement activities related to climate change and sustainable mobility, empowering school communities to take meaningful action. This international collaboration, featuring partners from the Netherlands, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Cyprus, underscores a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient future through education.

More information about the SMILE Project can be found here.

Raise the BAR Project Holds Second Transnational Partners Meeting in Romania

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 30, 2024, the partners of the EU-funded Raise the BAR Project, which aims to combat racism, discrimination, and inequality in schools, held their second Transnational Partners Meeting (TPM) in Argeș, Romania. The project targets teachers and students aged 10-16, promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality in EU schools, and seeks to develop resources that empower schools and educators to implement effective educational strategies that foster anti-racism, personal development, democratic values, respect for fundamental rights, and critical thinking in students.

The meeting brought together all partner organizations to discuss project updates and future steps. During the meeting, CARDET, alongside Școala Gimnazială Nae A. Ghica, presented WP3 on the “Becoming Anti-Racist Toolkit,” which is being developed to provide practical guidance and resources for promoting inclusive, anti-racist environments in schools. Although both toolkits are still under development, discussions focused on their content and guidelines. Partners also explored ideas for the student toolkit, which aims to cultivate anti-racist behaviors among students, envisioning a future free from racism in school environments.

CARDET and IFESCOOP introduced WP4, titled “Raise the BAR-Creating Synergies for the Future”, which focuses on strategic collaboration and the long-term impact of the project. Additionally, CARDET, IFESCOOP, and Quart de Poblet shared updates on the project’s visual identity and website, and CARDET led discussions on the exploitation strategy and sustainability plan.

Another major agenda item was the upcoming Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) in Greece, scheduled for early next year. This training will equip educators with the knowledge and tools needed to implement anti-racism strategies in their schools.

For more information about the Raise the BAR Project, please visit the website here

“Green Up Yourself” Project Launches Piloting Workshop at Agros High School

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As part of the “Green Up Yourself” Project, a significant milestone was reached on October, 29, 2024 with a successful workshop held at “Apeiteio” Agros High School. This school is deeply involved in promoting environmental awareness, featuring its own recycling facilities, repurposing cooking oil as an alternative fuel source, and maintaining a composter that converts food waste into organic fertilizer. The school will also participate in a sustainability workshop next month. This event marked the launch of the piloting and training workshops under WP4, a crucial phase designed to test and refine the educational content aimed at promoting green entrepreneurship and sustainability among young people in rural areas.

Located in one of the project’s target rural communities, “Apeiteio” Agros High School hosted a day-long workshop where students and youth professionals were introduced to the green skills and entrepreneurial training modules developed by the project. The interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the learning materials, which focus on fostering sustainable business practices and enhancing employability in line with the European Green Deal.

The workshop also enabled project coordinators to gather real-time feedback from participants, which will be essential for fine-tuning the educational content to better address the socio-cultural needs of rural youth and professionals in each participating country. This feedback is crucial in ensuring that the resources are practical, adaptable, and contribute to the overall success of the “Green Up Yourself” Project.

The Agros High School workshop is one of many similar sessions being held across Europe as part of the project’s broader goal of empowering rural youth. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the “Green Up Yourself” Project aligns with key EU initiatives, including the European Green Deal and the Europe 2020 Strategy, by promoting sustainable entrepreneurial practices to address rural unemployment and foster economic resilience.

By engaging directly with students in rural schools like Agros High School, the project is laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future for Europe’s rural youth. This hands-on piloting phase ensures that the final training materials will be both effective and adaptable across diverse regions of the European Union.

For more information about the “Green Up Yourself” Project, please visit here.